Rohde & Schwarz AFQ100A I/Q Modulation Generator

Digital communications systems are rapidly evolving today, calling for test equipment that can meet the new challenges they present.

An important component of such test equipment is a flexible baseband source that allows development and production tests to be performed on state-of-the-art receivers for a variety of standards. A self-contained baseband source must fulfill a wide range of signal requirements. Plus, it needs variable digital and analog outputs in order to directly operate the DUT. Used as a modulation source for vector signal generators, the R&S® AFQ100A provides I/Q signals that offer all the sophistication of modern communications standards for generating the required RF signal.

Broad scope of applications

• Variable memory clock rate (1 kHz to 300 MHz) can be optimally adjusted to the useful signal
• Maximum I/Q bandwidth of up to 100 MHz for an RF bandwidth of 200 MHz
• Long signal duration – 256 Msample or 1 Gsample
• Analog I/Q outputs (balanced and unbalanced) and optional digital outputs
• Variable output level at the analog outputs
• Multisegment waveform reduces switching time between different signals; no reloading required
• Optimum memory use due to integrated clock rate converter and memory granularity of 1
• Shiftable markers without disrupting and recalculating the output signal

Outstanding signal quality

• Excellent spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of typ. 83 dBc (1 MHz signal at 100 MHz bandwidth)
• Frequency response typ. 0.05 dB across 100 MHz I/Q bandwidth
• Versatile impairments
• Settable skew with 10 ps resolution to allow exact adjustment of different cable lengths
• Gain and offset for I and Q can be set independently
• Phase error
• Loadable equalization to compensate for external components such as I/Q modulators (minimum frequency response in realtime across all components involved)
• Adjustment of DC offsets by biasing the differential I/Q outputs

Connectors and operation

• Remote control via GPIB, USB and LAN
• User interface via external monitor or Windows XP Remote Desktop
• R&S® WinIQSIM2â„¢ for controlling the R&S® AFQ100A and generating test signals in line with different standards
• Direct control via MATLAB®
• USB connectors for USB equipment (keyboard, mouse, memory stick)